MURRAY — Murray State University is preparing to welcome alumni from all over the world back to campus Oct. 17–19 for Homecoming 2019.
This year’s homecoming theme, “Return of the Racers,” is centered on the idea of coming together and reconnecting with classmates and current students, mixed with a hint of magic from a galaxy far, far away.
“Each and every one of Murray State’s 70,000-plus alumni will always be a Racer,” said Carrie McGinnis, director of alumni relations. “We invite alumni around the globe to return home for this celebration and connect with their classmates, beloved faculty and current students. Whether you’re swapping old stories or making new memories, Homecoming is a perfect time to catch up on all things Murray State.”
The weekend will begin with the annual “A Taste of the Arts” dinner and auction Thursday, Oct. 17, on the historic stage of Lovett Auditorium. Festivities will continue Friday, Oct. 18, with several departments and organizations hosting socials and networking opportunities, including the class of 1969 celebrating their Golden Anniversary Dinner that evening. The annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant will also take place Friday night, as well as the Murray State Jazz Orchestra Swing Dance and the African-American Alumni Reunion Meet and Greet with Homecoming Dance.
The annual Homecoming Parade will begin Saturday, Oct. 18, at 9:30 a.m., highlighting student organizations from every area of the University while winding along Main Street and ending on Murray State’s campus. This year’s grand marshals are Murray State University alumni Melvin, ’69, ’71 and Vanna Ferguson, ’70. Coverage of the parade will be streamed live for those who cannot attend on the University’s Facebook page at facebook.com/murraystateuniv.
Tent City will follow the parade, starting at 10:30 a.m. inside the walls of Roy Stewart Stadium on the east side of the track. A beloved Homecoming tradition since 1989, Tent City provides the University’s Greek organizations, student clubs, academic departments and residential colleges the opportunity to welcome alumni home and to give the public a snapshot look at all they have to offer.
The Homecoming King and Queen will then be crowned at Roy Stewart Stadium just before the 2 p.m. football game against Eastern Kentucky University.
This year’s Homecoming Court is Abagail Lanier of Bardwell, Kentucky, Emily Perry of Paducah, Kentucky, Kimberly Thomas of Arlington, Kentucky, Shelby Wright of Greenfield, Indiana, Trey Book of Henderson, Kentucky, Andrew Harris of Kevil, Kentucky, Warren Norman of Henderson, Kentucky, Keenan Lautner of Elberfeld, Indiana, and Matthew Skinner of Cadiz, Kentucky.
The weekend will also feature other annual events, including several Greek milestone reunions, the National Pan-Hellenic Council Alumni Reception and Yard Show, the College of Education and Human Services Homecoming Breakfast, M Club Breakfast and much more. Additionally, University colleges, departments and programs will be hosting various activities for alumni and students throughout the weekend.
“Our alumni of all ages can share with current Racers their common experiences, relive their precious Murray State memories and reconnect with friends and faculty who helped shape their lives and careers,” McGinnis said. “Keeping our alumni engaged with their alma mater through major events like Homecoming is vital to the success of the University. No one can share the Racer story like a Racer.”
A detailed schedule of events along with important information regarding Murray State’s Homecoming activities can be found at murraystate.edu/homecoming. For further questions, please contact the Murray State University Office of Alumni Relations by calling 800-758-8510.